KIDS VOTING DURHAM helps youth under 18 understand and believe in the power they have as engaged civic participants and informed voters. Through a combination of classroom supports, youth voice activities, family engagement, and an authentic voting experience, Kids Voting Durham is helping to grow a generation rich in civic knowledge, skills, and agency.
Let KVD educators, youth, & community members tell you how KVD is making a difference.
Video Credit: Jack Swansey
Educated. Engaged. Counted.
Kids Voting Durham knows we need to start building civic skills, knowledge, and agency & identity in Durham’s young people well before they turn 18. We nurture each of these elements through:
inclusive classroom lessons & tools that reflect youth’s interests & perspectives
family engagement
the opportunity for youth to interact with elected officials and the community in ways that reinforce their identity as voters and engaged citizens, and
an authentic voting experience for all youth under 18 in every election.
“The practice of democracy is not passed down through the gene pool. It must be taught and learned anew by each generation of citizens.”
- Justice Sandra Day O’Connor
Our Impact
Ultimately, Kids Voting…
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Creates informed and active citizens and leaders.
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Supports classroom learning and standards in civic education.
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Provides teachers with tools and training they can use to educate their students about democracy and voting.
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Connects hands-on learning to real life events.
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Increases family communication about citizenship.
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Encourages greater adult voter engagement and turnout.
Our History
Kids Voting Durham was founded locally in 1999 as a part of Kids Voting USA and housed at the Durham Chamber of Commerce. In 2005, Kids Voting became a program of Durham County Cooperative Extension and expanded from its original focus on elections to a year-round civic engagement program for children and youth under 18.
Kids Voting works closely with the programs of Durham County Cooperative Extension in Youth Development (4-H), Consumer and Family Education, Agriculture and Horticulture, Early Childhood Development, and Community Capacity Building. Kids Voting continues to partner with the Durham County Board of Elections and Durham Public Schools to reach students in the community and in their classrooms.